‘Serve my people, my city’: Harvard alumnus joins election race to give Pakistan a facelift

Independent candidate from NA-46 Islamabad, Hamza Ali Haroon, talks to Arab News Pakistan in Islamabad, Pakistan, on January. 31, 2024. (AN photo)
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Updated 02 February 2024
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‘Serve my people, my city’: Harvard alumnus joins election race to give Pakistan a facelift

  • Hamza Ali Haroon, 33, is running for NA-46 seat from Islamabad, wants to reform bureaucracy and economy and combat climate change
  • Ex-PM Khan has in recent years mobilized young Pakistanis who see him as a change from old dynasties that have ruled the country for decades

ISLAMABAD: Hamza Ali Haroon left a corporate job in the United States and came back to Pakistan in 2020 with the desire to make a difference for his home country, plagued for decades by political and economic crises and currently the eighth nation in the world most vulnerable to long-term climate risk. 

Over the next three years, the 33-year-old Harvard Kennedy School of Government graduate became more and more convinced that bringing change required him to be at the helm of political affairs in the country.

Next week, Haroon will be among 5,121 candidates looking to win seats in parliament when the South Asian nation of 241 million people goes to the vote in general elections on Feb. 8. It is a big gamble for a young man in a country where the political landscape is dominated by well-established families and the parties they founded — mainly the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Pakistan People’s Party — and where most candidates come from well-entrenched political backgrounds and are armed with big money and vote banks.

“The political party culture in Pakistan is a travesty because they do not encourage youth,” Haroon, the father of a five-month-old son and running for the NA-46 seat in Islamabad, told Arab News in an interview this week. 

“In our political culture, unfortunately, the youth is being used only for slogans and giving the [political] parties votes and that’s about it. They do not use their [young people’s] minds to have them build policy, implement policy or to have them come and get elected to go into the parliament and make laws.”

He said he rejected all major political parties in Pakistan and was running as an independent candidate.

“They’re not selecting their candidates on merit, they’re only selecting candidates on the loyalties they have toward their party leaders which I think is a great problem in our political culture and this is the reason why I’ve decided to stand [as an] independent,” said Haroon, who before joining politics served as a special adviser to the minister of science and technology and as a director of strategic initiatives at the information ministry. 

And though Haroon understands how difficult it is to make a dent in Pakistan’s dynastic and patronage-based politics, taking on a challenge is something he has never shied away from.

Just seven months before the National Junior Golf Championship of Pakistan, Haroon, then a 17-year-old, was told he would not be able to play golf again because of a knee injury.

But the defiant teenager not only went on to play in the series, he also won it and was selected to represent Pakistan at the World Junior Golf Championships held in San Diego. 

“At a very young age, I had learned that impossible was not a word in my dictionary, and if I could imagine it, I could achieve it,” Haroon’s Linkedin page read.

So leaving a well-paying job in the US and coming back to Pakistan to join politics was a no-brainer. 

“I realized that my passion in life was always to come back home and serve my people, my city,” he said.

Outlining his political vision, he said he wanted to “give back Islamabad to the youth of this city.”

“This city is being run by a bureaucracy, which is not accountable, which is not transparent, which is not fair,” he said. 

“The second thing we want to do is build an economy that is sustainable, that is inclusive and works for everyone, not just the rich. And the third thing we want to do is have protection of life, health and climate. These are the three pillars that form my vision.”

Along the way, Haroon hopes to inspire young people in a country where out of 128.58 million total registered voters, 23.51 million are between the ages of 18 and 25 and 33.34 million between 26 and 35 years old. 

“I’m seeing this in the campaign as well, that a lot of young people are getting inspired from this campaign because we’re actually talking the truth. We’re telling people the way things are and we’re telling them, ‘Listen, now is the time to change’.”

“OLD PAKISTAN

Experts say former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has played a critical role in mobilizing young people in Pakistan.

Over the years, Khan has utilized social media to build up a vast following of young people who approve of his drive against corruption and ambitious promises to strengthen democracy and the rule of law, and see him as the face of “Naya [new] Pakistan” and a change from the old dynasties who have ruled Pakistan for decades. 

“There is a huge change and then 45 percent of our electoral list consists of young people who want to play their role,” Sarwar Bari, National Coordinator at the not-for profit Pattan Development Organization, told Arab News.

“They [youth] do not want to see the old Pakistan anymore and they wanted to have a better system in Pakistan because they do not like dynasties,” he said. “If polling [on Feb. 8] is transparent, free, and fair, then there is a likelihood that most of the so-called electables [established politicians] can lose to the young candidates.”

“I think Pakistan has changed a lot and the old dynasties have not realized that, and this election is going to tell us that not only the young people, but the rising middle class in Pakistan, whose youth is now very articulate and very active, they have this urge and the energy to change Pakistan,” Bari added.

“And that’s why we see young candidates as well as the young voters on Pakistan’s electoral list.”


Pakistani conglomerate Descon announces local incorporation in Saudi Arabia

Updated 5 sec ago
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Pakistani conglomerate Descon announces local incorporation in Saudi Arabia

  • Pakistan’s Descon Engineering operates in the engineering, power and chemical sectors
  • It has a long-standing strategic partnership with the Olayan Saudi Holding Company 

KARACHI: Pakistan’s Descon Engineering, which operates in the engineering, power and chemical sectors, on Tuesday announced the incorporation of Descon Engineering Arabia, a registered entity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in partnership with its long-standing strategic partner, Olayan Saudi Holding Company (OSHCO.)

OSHCO is a Saudi-based diversified business enterprise with commercial and industrial operations spread across Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East and North Africa regions. The company’s portfolio includes more than 25 companies operating in five sectors, namely, food and beverages, restaurants, health and personal care, information and communications technology (ICT), and energy.

Descon, a group of companies headquartered in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore, is active in UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Iraq, and South Africa.

“This significant development reaffirms Descon’s continued commitment to the Kingdom and highlights its focus on localization within Saudi Arabia,” Descon said in a statement. 

“Through Descon Engineering Arabia, the company is further expanding its regional footprint, reinforcing its position as a trusted and established service provider dedicated to meeting the needs of customers across the Kingdom.”

The company said the “new chapter” had strengthened its resolve to make a broader global impact, ensuring enhanced value delivery to clients in Saudi Arabia, while supporting the development of local talent and capacity building.

“As we establish Descon Engineering Arabia in partnership with OSHCO, we reaffirm our commitment to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its vision for sustainable growth. This step represents a deepening of our long-standing relationship with the region, enabling us to deliver tailored solutions while contributing to local talent development and capacity building,” Taimur Saeed, CEO of Descon Engineering, said. 

“We look forward to fostering stronger collaborations and continuing to serve the Kingdom with the reliability and expertise that have defined our journey for nearly five decades.”

Through Descon Engineering Arabia, Descon Engineering is positioned to deliver even greater value, continuing its “dedication to excellence and local growth” for customers in Saudi Arabia and the region, the company added. 


Ayub century helps Pakistan crush Zimbabwe, level series

Updated 45 min 35 sec ago
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Ayub century helps Pakistan crush Zimbabwe, level series

  • Ayub struck unbeaten 113 as Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by 10 wickets to level one-day international series with one match to come
  • Zimbabwe were all out for 145 at Queens Sports Club as they sought a second victory over the tourists

ZIMBABWE: Saim Ayub struck an unbeaten 113 as Pakistan crushed Zimbabwe by 10 wickets in Bulawayo on Tuesday to level a one-day international series with one match to come.

Zimbabwe were all out for 145 at Queens Sports Club as they sought a second victory over the tourists in three days having won by 80 runs in a rain-shortened tour opener.

Pakistan then atoned for a poor batting show on Sunday with Ayub and fellow opener Abdullah Shafique (32 not out) unstoppable as they reached their target in 18.2 overs.

Ayub struck 17 runs and three sixes off 62 balls in a 75-minute stand while Shafique claimed four fours in the southern city.

Ayub reached his century off 53 balls — the second fastest in an ODI international by a Pakistani after Shahid Afridi.

Zimbabwe, seeking a first ODI series win over Pakistan, utilized five bowlers, but none made an impression with Brandon Mavuta, who conceded 47 runs in four overs, particularly expensive.

After winning the toss, Zimbabwe were quickly in trouble with openers Joylord Gumbie (five) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (four) back in the pavilion with less than four overs bowled.

Only Dion Myers, who struck six fours in his 33, and veteran Sean Williams, who posted 31 before being trapped leg before by Ayub, impressed for the home team.

Pakistan-born all-rounder Sikandar Raza, often the batting savior for Zimbabwe, made just 17 before becoming one of three victims of Salman Ali Agha.

Abrar Ahmed took four wickets and Ali Agha three for Pakistan, who arrived in southern Africa after a 3-0 ODI series loss in Australia.

The Zimbabwe ODI series decider is set for Thursday, followed by three Twenty20 internationals from Sunday, also in Bulawayo. Pakistan then visit South Africa for an all-format tour.


VPN demand increased 253% in Pakistan between Nov. 24-26 — Top10VPN

Updated 53 min 6 sec ago
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VPN demand increased 253% in Pakistan between Nov. 24-26 — Top10VPN

  • Pakistani authorities have suspended mobile Internet services and blocked several VPNs amid a protest by PTI opposition party
  • Social media platform X has been blocked since February and the government is also moving to implement a national firewall

ISLAMABAD: Top10VPN, an independent VPN review company, said this week VPN demand had more than tripled in Pakistan following the tightening of social media restrictions between Nov. 24-26, days that coincide with the launch of a protest movement by the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.

Pakistani authorities have suspended mobile Internet services and blocked several VPNs amid a protest launched by supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has been jailed since August 2023 on a spate of charges from corruption to terrorism. 

The government has been cracking down on VPN use for weeks, with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority announcing that businesses and freelancers would be able to legally use VPNs by registering with the government, but unregistered VPNs will be blocked in Pakistan after Nov. 30. Authorities say the measures are meant to deter militants and other suspects who use VPNs to conceal their identities and spread “anti-state propaganda” and promote “blasphemous” or other illegal content online.

Digital rights activists say the move is part of government attempts to block vital tools that allow users to bypass restrictions amid a wave of digital crackdowns, particularly as the use of VPNs has sharply risen in Pakistan since February this year when the government banned X. 

“Demand for VPN services initially increased by 102 percent in Pakistan on November 24 compared to the daily average over the 28 days prior,” Top10VPN said in a report. 

The PTI had launched its ‘long march’ protest to the federal capital, Islamabad, on Nov. 24. 

“VPN demand intensified the next day [Monday], at 253 percent above the baseline on November 25 and continues to remain elevated,” the website added. “The surge followed reports that WhatsApp had been targeted by the authorities, preventing media sharing.”

The federal government is also moving to implement a nationwide firewall to block malicious content, protect government networks from attacks, and allow the government to identify IP addresses associated with what it calls “anti-state propaganda” and terror attacks. Internet speeds have dropped by up to 30-40 percent over the past few months due to the firewall, according to the Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP).

In August, the Pakistan Business Council (PBC) warned that frequent Internet disruptions and low speeds caused by poor implementation of the national firewall had led many multinational companies to consider relocating their offices out of Pakistan, with some having “already done so.” The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), the country’s top representative body for the IT sector, warned last week Internet slowdowns and the restriction of VPN services could lead to financial losses and closures and increase operational costs for the industry by up to $150 million annually.

Pakistan’s IT and ITeS exports have been growing at an average of 30 percent per year, and are on the way to achieve over $15 billion in the next 5 years, according to industry data, provided the government ensures continuity in export, fiscal, financial, SME, infrastructure and IT policies.

“If the VPNs are blocked, most of IT companies, Call Centers, BPO [business process outsourcing] organizations of Pakistan will lose all the major Fortune 500 clients, as well as others – as data protection and cybersecurity are of paramount importance to our clients, and connecting to client systems through VPN is a global norm and standard, and is a basic requirement and expectation of clients around the world,” P@SHA Chairman Sajjad Mustafa Syed said in a statement released last Tuesday.

“Additionally, no international company of any size tolerates any intrusion into their security protocols by any private or public institution.”


Pakistan army says three militants attempting to infiltrate from Afghan border killed

Updated 26 November 2024
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Pakistan army says three militants attempting to infiltrate from Afghan border killed

  • Kabul government denies it allows militants to use its soil to attack Pakistan
  • Pakistan has seen sharp rise in militant attacks across the country in recent months 

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan army said on Tuesday it had killed three militants out of a group that had tried to infiltrate its frontier with neighboring Afghanistan in the northwestern North Waziristan district, calling on Kabul to ensure “effective border management” on its side. 

Islamabad, facing a sharp rise in militancy in recent months, says the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group uses Afghanistan as a base to launch attacks and that the ruling Taliban administration has provided safe havens to the group along their shared border. The Taliban government in Kabul denies this. 

The TTP is separate from the Afghan Taliban movement but pledges loyalty to the group that has ruled Afghanistan after the US-led international forces withdrew in 2021.

“On night 25/26 November, movement of a group of khwarij [militants], who were trying to infiltrate through Pakistan-Afghanistan border, was picked up by the security forces in general area Hassan Khel, North Waziristan District,” the army said in a statement. “Own troops effectively engaged and thwarted their attempt to infiltrate. Resultantly, three Khwarij were sent to hell.”

The statement said Islamabad had “consistently” been asking the Afghan government to ensure effective border management on their side of the border. 

“Interim Afghan Government is expected to fulfil its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by Khwarij for perpetuating acts of terrorism against Pakistan,” the army added. 

“Security Forces of Pakistan are determined and remain committed to secure its borders and eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country.”


What has caused Pakistan’s deadly clashes between police and supporters of Imran Khan?

Updated 26 November 2024
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What has caused Pakistan’s deadly clashes between police and supporters of Imran Khan?

  • Topping the demands of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party is the release of all its leaders, including Khan
  • PTI supporters say they will hold ‘do or die’ sit-in at public square near parliament that is a popular protest site

Thousands of supporters of Pakistan’s jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan marched on the capital Islamabad this week, breaking through barricades and clashing with police in response to his call for a sit-in protest.

Here is a look at what led to the protest and this chapter of political rallies in Pakistan:

WHAT DO PROTESTERS WANT?

Topping the demands of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party is the release of all its leaders, including Khan, who has been jailed on a series of corruption charges since August 2023.

They also seek the resignation of the current government over what they call rigged general elections this year.

PTI supporters from across the country, including Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi, have marched on the capital, with large numbers coming from the party’s stronghold in the northern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

They have vowed to enter the capital and rally at a public square near parliament that is a popular protest site, holding what leaders have called a “do or die” sit-in.

HOW HAS THE GOVERNMENT RESPONDED?

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government has given no indication yet of bending to the demands. Authorities have used shipping containers to block major roads and streets in Islamabad, with police and paramilitary patrolling in riot gear.

Mobile Internet links are down and schools have been closed for several days in the capital and the nearby garrison city of Rawalpindi. Gatherings have been banned in Islamabad.

WHAT HAS HAPPENED SINCE THE MARCH BEGAN?

Thousands of supporters clashed with police and paramilitary troops on the weekend, as they tried to enter Islamabad.

Both sides have reported injuries and the prime minister’s office said members of the paramilitary were killed when they were run over by a car in the protest convoy. The interior ministry put the number of those killed at four.

WHERE DO THE PROTESTERS WANT TO GO?

The marchers aim to reach the roundabout near parliament that has long been a rallying point for protests and sit-ins that have marked Pakistan’s turbulent politics for decades.

The site is in Islamabad’s heavily fortified red zone, home to parliament, key government installations, luxury hotels, embassies and the offices of foreign organizations.

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF POLITICAL PROTEST IN PAKISTAN?

Stormy politics and unrest during Pakistan’s 77-year history have included protests and sit-ins by opposition parties.

Khan led one of Pakistan’s largest sit-ins in 2014 when his supporters protesting against the PML-N government occupied the roundabout site for 126 days.

PTI supporters last marched on Islamabad in October, sparking days of clashes with police that killed one officer.